Question

CCl₄, CO₂, PCl_3, PCl₅, SF₆, . Which of the following does not describe any of the molecules above?

A. Linear

B. Octahedral

C. Tetrahedral

D. Trigonal Planar

Answer 1

After we analyze the molecules and their geometries we have

The linear geometry is represented by CO₂; CCl₄ and PCl₃ are both examples of tetrahedral geometry (taking into account the lone pair of PCl₃), while the trigonal bipyramid is the geometry for PCl₅, at last SF₆ is the octahedral geometry.

In conclusion, the option that does not describe any of the molecules above is D. Trigonal Planar.

Reference

• Chang, R., & Goldsby, K. A. (2010). Chemistry. Chemistry, 10th ed.; McGraw-Hill Education: New York, NY, USA.